Apparatus for thermosetting thermoplastic tubes
US6540498B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 4, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2101/12
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus is disclosed for thermosetting thermoplastic tubes in a predefined shape having at least one bend. The apparatus includes an oven with an interior chamber which is heated to a temperature approaching that at which the tube thermally deforms. An elongated former has a channel dimensioned to receive the tube, and this channel has the predefined shape. A thermally absorbent coating is disposed only on a surface of the former adjacent to and extending across each bend of the former. This thermally absorbent coating locally adds the thermal energy required to reset the memory of the tube at the bend location. A conveyor extends through the oven chamber from an inlet end and to an outlet end of the oven, and the former is attached to the conveyor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.